GENERAL INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes are designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when required, occurs whenever the brakes are
applied and released during forward or reverse operation.
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions that may
be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
WARNING:Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This results in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear and increased stopping distances.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes. Normally, choose the same gear to
descend the hill that you use to ascend the hill.
WARNING:Continuous application of the brakes causes the
brakes to overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high-speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure on vehicles equipped with air brakes.
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AIR BRAKES
After starting the engine, give the air compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 60 psi (414 kPa) before moving the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not drive or continue to drive if the low air
pressure buzzer is sounding or the brake warning light is lit.
These warnings indicate that air pressure is not to normal operating
level. Continued use of the vehicle could result in loss of braking ability.
WARNING:Avoid repeated light application of the brake pedal.
This depletes air pressure faster and could result in loss of
braking capability.
Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cut-out pressure settings are set at
the factory and are not adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient (below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a
warning light illuminates and a buzzer sounds when the ignition
is in the on position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
WARNING:Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
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The Power Park Brake is controlled by the park brake dash-mounted,
yellow knob-type switch. The switch has three positions: apply (out),
neutral (central), and release (in). The switch is spring-loaded to return
to the neutral (central) position after being pushed or pulled.
There is no visual indication at the knob that the park brake is
applied or released; check the instrument cluster. If the light is
illuminated, the parking brake is applied.
Applying the Parking Brake
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob. The parking brake
light illuminates indicating that the parking brake has been successfully
set.
Note:If the light blinks and a warning chime sounds when the control
knob is pulled, the parking brake is not functioning properly. Seek
immediate service from your dealer. SeeParking brake warning
systemin this section.
Releasing the Parking Brake
WARNING:Hold the brake pedal down while moving the
gearshift lever from position to position. If the brake pedal is not
held down, the vehicle may move unexpectedly resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death.
Note:Read and understand the following steps and perform them
whenever you prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note:The parking brake does not disengage unless sufficient system air
pressure is available.
If your vehicle is equipped with a dash-mounted push button (Allison
3000 Series) or steering column-mounted (Allison 2200 and 2500) gear
selector:
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal while the engine is running.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
parking brake light turns off, then release.
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission:
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal while the engine is running.
2. Press and hold the clutch pedal.
3. Select the appropriate drive gear.
4. Push and hold the yellow, dash-mounted parking brake knob until the
parking brake light turns off, then release.
P
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Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in positionP(if equipped) or neutral to aid
in engine and transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
FIFTH-WHEEL OPERATION
WARNING:Failure to follow the fifth-wheel manufacturer’s
instructions for hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the
fifth-wheel could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING:When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended,
the trailer brake hand control should never be used to apply the
brake, since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
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WARNING:The use of inferior parts can adversely affect the
quality and reliability of your vehicle which, in turn, can result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
To avoid damage to the vehicle’s electrical components prior to electric
welding:
•disconnect both battery cables.
•attach the welder ground cable as close as possible to the part being
welded.
•it is recommended that the component be temporarily removed if
welding close to an electrical component.
Follow the checks and services in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Have your dealer or service center inspect your vehicle at least once a
year. Remember that regular maintenance and inspections usually
prevent serious problems from developing later.
If the owner or operator of the vehicle is a skilled technician and intends
on performing the vehicle maintenance and service, he is strongly urged
to purchase a service manual.
Electrical System
Periodically inspect electrical connectors on the outside of the cab and
on the engine and frame for corrosion and tightness. Exposed terminals,
such as the fuel sender, cranking motor, alternator and feed-through
studs, should be cleaned and re-coated with a lubricant sealing grease
such as Motorcraft® Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectic
Compound XG-3, or equivalent. This should include the ground cable
connector for batteries, engine and cab as well as the jump starting stud.
Accessory Feed Connections
Vehicle electrical systems are complex and often include powertrain
components, such as engine and transmission controls, instrument
panels, ABS, etc. While most systems operate on battery voltage
(12 volts), some systems can be as high as 90 volts or as low as five
volts. See theElectrical Circuit Diagram Manuals,available from your
vehicle’s manufacturer, to make sure that any additional body lights and
accessories are connected to circuits that are both appropriate and not
overloaded. No modification should be made to any vehicle control
system without first contacting your dealer.
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Daily Owner Checks
U.S. Department
of Transportation,
Federal Highway
Administration
Requirements
(Make sure the
entire system is
functioning
properly.)Service brakes and parking brake.
Steering mechanism.
Lighting devices and reflectors.
Tires.
Horn.
Windshield wipers.
Rear vision mirrors.
Wheels and rims.
Emergency equipment.
Every Oil Change
EngineInspect engine cooling system hoses, clamps and
protection.
*
Inspect drive belt(s).
Exhaust SystemInspect entire exhaust system (including the inlet
pipe(s), muffler(s), outlet pipe(s), clamps and
fasteners) for holes, leakage, breakage, corrosive
damage and separation from other components.
Adjust, service or replace with the same or the
equivalent part. (Also a noise emission control
service.)
SuspensionTighten the front and rear spring U-bolts to the
specified torque.
Driveline and
Rear AxleLubricate the U-joints and the slip yoke.
BrakesLubricate the air brake foot control valve, hinge
and roller.
Inspect the drum brake linings through the
inspection holes.
Lubricate the rear caliper slide rails.
Lubricate the brake camshafts and slack adjuster
(air brakes only).
Inspect the disc brake pads and the piston boots
(hydraulic brakes only).
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911 Assist™ ..............................338
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................148
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............328
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................350
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................329
Active call menu options .........328
Advanced menu options ...336, 357
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................336
Air cleaner filter ...............236, 280
Air conditioning ..........................88
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................88
Air filter .............................236, 280
Air suspension ...........................171
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................219
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................148
AppLink™ .................................346
Audio system
Single CD ............................79–80
Audio system (see Radio) ...79–80
Automatic transmission ....136–137
fluid, adding ............................223
fluid, checking ........................223
fluid, refill capacities ..............277
fluid, specification ..................264
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....82Auxiliary powerpoint ................101
Axle ............................143, 207, 226
lubricant specifications ..........264
refill capacities ........................277
B
Battery .......................................233
acid, treating emergencies .....233
jumping a disabled battery ....185
maintenance-free ....................233
replacement, specifications ...280
servicing ..................................233
Booster seats ...............................31
Brakelamp
bulb replacement ....................239
Brakes ........................147–148, 208
adjustment ..............................211
anti-lock ...................................148
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................148
brake warning light ................148
fluid, checking and adding ....229
fluid, specifications .................264
parking ....................158, 161, 211
shift interlock ..........................136
trailer .......................................176
Bulbs ..........................................241
C
Catalytic converter
(see Emission control) .............213
CD ..........................................79–80
CD player ....................................77
Cell phone use ............................12
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....36
LATCH .......................................36
372Index
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